The DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) warmly welcomed Dr. Junel B. Soriano as he takes on the bureau leadership, following his recent reappointment as director. Consequently, former officer-in-charge Joell H. Lales reassumes his title as DA-BAR’s assistant director. A simple turnover ceremony was held on 9 May 2023, marking yet another significant movement in the bureau directorship.
Before stepping down from his post as the officer-in-charge, assistant director Joell H. Lales urged the bureau to pour out their support for the returning director.
“I am sure that being a seasoned public servant [...], we are expecting to see a more robust growth and performance from our institution,” said Lales.
A special Management Committee (ManCom) meeting convened following the ceremony. Members presented, among others, updates on the current research for development and extension (R4DE) thrusts and priority programs, projects, and activities to keep the incoming director up to speed on the current operations of the bureau.
To end, Dr. Soriano presented a set of enhanced adaptive and innovative strategies that will set the direction for the agri-fisheries sector’s R4DE in his term. His 6-pointer agenda covers technology development, information dissemination on relevant R4DE results and outputs, monitoring and evaluation schemes, strategic policies, capacity building, and international linkages.
"As we turn a new page in this narrative, we are yet again called to renew and further strengthen our commitment. But one thing that remains certain in all these is that we will tread this path as one Bureau of Agricultural Research," affirmed director Soriano.